1. Designer Hangout
Designer Hangout is the single best Slack workspace for UX designers to share advice, find jobs, and discuss projects. If you want to boost your UX skills or just become a better developer overall, this highly active community is a great place to start. Plus, the free job board, mentoring program, and regular events with professionals make this a valuable resource along with a place for professional discussions. Pros:
Perfect for UX designers in any fieldIncludes influencer Q&A eventsFree job boardFind mentors
Cons:
Applications are manually approved and can take up to 12 weeks to get your invite
To apply, you’ll need to provide your full name, LinkedIn profile or portfolio, and your email address. Not everyone who applies will be accepted.
2. Remotely One
Remotely One is the Slack home for remote workers, telecommuters, and digital nomads to connect. It offers 11 Slack channels to discuss the challenges and lessons you’ve learned while working out of the office. Whether you’re a freelancer, teleworker, or just part of a distributed team, you’ll find others you can relate to. In addition to channels for different types of remote workers, you’ll also find a watercooler-style channel for random discussions. This is where you can forget work and have some fun. Pros:
Has over 1,800 membersAll members are manually approved to prevent spamDiscussions range from cool things to do to advice for working remotely
Cons:
You can’t join instantly, and approval can take days
Applying requires your email, name, and answering some questions, such as why you want to join, types of events you’d like to see, and even what kinds of relationships you’re looking to make (friends, romantic, etc.).
3. Writer Hangout
Writer Hangout is a home for fiction and non-fiction writers to support each other and participate in writing events. Pros: Here is where writers gather to talk about events, get tips, and share accomplishments. Writing can be a lonely profession. This Slack workspace helps you network and realize the challenges you’re facing are nothing new. If you just want to have some fun and a few laughs, check out the #sixwordstory channel. Pros
For both fiction and non-fiction writersEncourages bragging about accomplishmentsFriendly community to support each other
Cons:
Not always the most active community
There’s no waiting period to join – just a few quick questions. You’ll get the invite link as soon as you complete the questionnaire.
4. Online Geniuses
Online Geniuses allows you to learn, share advice, and become an online marketing genius while possibly finding your dream job. It is one of the best free Slack workspaces to network with marketers, entrepreneurs, writers, social media experts, and more. The highly active community gives you access to vetted professionals from around the world in various industries. The wealth of information in this group can’t be found anywhere else. Pros:
Over 35,000 membersFrequent Q&A sessions with expertsApplicable for all types of marketers and ideal for those starting a businessJob board
Cons:
Some features are only available for premium membersJoining is free but can take a month or more to be approved unless you pay $25
The variety of channels makes it easy to find the right people to network with. Plus, you can find jobs and add your profile to the talent network to find your next job.
5. Cryptominded
Cyptominded is the place to go to discuss everything crypto-related, including currencies, mining, and platforms. It not only has a site filled with cryptocurrency resources, but their very own Slack channel to discuss crypto. The #beginners channel is perfect if you’re new and have questions. Another benefit is that you can post jobs or find crypto-related jobs. So, if you’re looking for work in the field, this free Slack workspace might be perfect for you. Pros:
Discusses all types of cryptocurrenciesGreat for beginnersIdeal for trading tips
Cons:
An active social media profile is required
To cut down on bots and spam, there is a short Google form to fill out. It should only take a minute or two, then you’ll be able to join the conversation. You will need an active social media account to join and verify your identity.
6. BitcoinMarkets
BitcoinMarkets is the official Slack workspace for the BitcoinMarkets subreddit, with discussions on Bitcoin and other currencies. It originally started as a subreddit on Reddit. However, there’s now an official Slack community for more live discussion. There’s only minimal moderation, so occasionally things do get off topic, but you’ll find they quickly get back to cryptocurrency. It’s a good group to discuss trends, ask about various currencies, and even just gripe about losses. It’s best to use the subreddit and Slack workspace together to get the most tips and advice possible. Pros:
Provides an alternative to the Reddit groupFriendly community for beginnersNot just for Bitcoin
Cons:
Some channels are fairly quiet most of the timeAs a free workspace, older messages aren’t visible or searchable
7. DesignX
DesignX is one of the best free Slack workspaces for UX designers. Whether you just want to discuss trends with fellow designers, break into the industry, or network with industry leaders to find your dream job, this is the community for you. It’s a highly active community, so there’s always something going on. Even if you don’t strike up conversations, the resources for learning UX and tips for finding a job are well worth joining. Pros:
Talks and reports from global leadersOver 5,000 membersJob board
Cons:
Must have an active LinkedIn account to joinApplications are approved manually, so there may be a waiting period
8. Write the Docs
Write the Docs is one of the more active free Slack workspaces and has over 15,000 members. If you need fellow documentation and technical writers to network with, join this community and make it your new online home. Get great tips, such as when to use different spellings or phrases. Search for a new job opportunity with new listings posted every week. Pros:
Very active communityFind new jobsOffers a fun watercooler channel for general chat
Cons:
Mainly for technical and documentation writers only, though any writers (especially bloggers and non-fiction writers) might enjoy the group
You’ll even find details on upcoming conferences and a fun place to chat about most anything on your mind.
9. Big Orange Heart
Big Orange Heart is a friendly community supporting fellow remote workers to promote healthier, happier work-from-home (or anywhere) lives. It is an organization centered around improving the well-being of remote workers worldwide. With a paid membership, you get access to a larger Slack community and an exclusive Facebook group. However, the free community (which is free to join if you choose the “Join without donation” option) is incredibly supportive. Pros:
Friendly, active communityDesigned to improve the well-being of remote workersDiscuss both work and mental/physical health
Cons:
Some members only care about promoting themselves and regularly ask for jobs (this is the minority though)Free Slack workspace only has around 1,800 members
Both the well-being and ask anything channels are ideal for getting support and helping out your fellow remote workers, freelancers, etc. Or, try out the random channel for funny videos, gifs, and more.
10. Mind the Product
While Mind the Product is designed mainly for product managers, it’s also one of the best free Slack workspaces for entrepreneurs, anyone struggling to create a great product/service, or those looking to understand more about product development in general. Of course, if you’re working on a frustrating project, this is the place to freely vent or get feedback. Pros:
Over 50,000 membersAll channels stay activeNetwork with fellow product developers and managers
Cons:
There is a lot of self-promotion of new products/services, though much of it is simply to gain beta testers
11. Productivity Hackers
Productivity Hackers is the perfect community for learning how to better juggle emails, family, stress, and dozens of other things all at one time. It is a small, yet active Slack community. It’s the ideal place to find tips and tools to boost your productivity, whether you’re working remotely or in the office. You can also discuss trends, frustrations, and anything else related to being more productive. Even if you don’t join in on the conversations, there’s plenty to learn. Plus, everyone is friendly and ready to help each other be their most productive selves. Pros:
Surprisingly active communityGreat productivity tips and supportConnect with workers from all over the world
Cons:
Small community of less than 700 membersSome self-promotion from productivity app creators
12. Growmance
A home for growth hackers in any industry looking to connect, learn, find new opportunities, and more. The Growmance marketing community isn’t just about marketing. It’s about helping fellow marketers, developers, copywriters, tech experts, and more connect, learn more about growth, and find ways to grow their businesses. Of course, there are also job opportunities, channels to promote yourself, and a random channel for sharing tips, tricks, and fun stuff. Pros:
Has over 12,000 membersFilled with marketing tips and resources that apply to most industries/fields28 channels on everything from copywriting to ecommerce
Cons:
Some channels are quietYou have to join individual channels manually (still free), as you only get access to two when you join
While some channels have little activity, most stay active. Plus, it’s a community that’s perfect for nearly anyone to become an expert in marketing.
1. Can I start my own Slack workspace?
Yes. If none of the above appeal to you, consider starting your own. Sadly, many tech, coding, blogging, and other niche communities either charge for membership or are no longer active. Even the popular 18percent Slack workspace designed for mental health support, shut down in 2021. Simply visit the Slack home page and use the “Try for Free” option to create your own workspace/community. (If you’re already logged in to a Slack workspace, look for the “Create a New Workspace” button at the top right.) You can promote your workspace with a website or on social media to get people to join.
2. Can I leave a Slack workspace?
If you no longer want to be a part of a Slack community, you can deactivate your account. This won’t delete any messages you’ve sent so far. Click on your profile image at the top right and select “Profile.” Choose “More -> Account Settings.” Scroll until you see “Deactivate Account” button and click it. You’ll need to enter your password and confirm your choice. This only removes you from that particular workspace/community. If you’re a member of other workspaces, this won’t affect them at all.
3. Can I view all of my workspaces in one place?
Yes. When logged in to any of your workspaces/communities, click or tap the name of the community at the top left. Select “Switch workspaces” to view other workspaces connected to that email address. You can also visit Slack.com while logged in to any workspace to view other workspaces.
4. Where can I search for more Slack communities?
While no resource has every single Slack workspace listed, you can search on Slofile and AirTable for communities. Some listings are premium only, while others may be outdated and no longer exist.
